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Abstract:

Fishing for prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) postlarvae is a major contributor to the livelihoods of the
coastal poor in Bangladesh, including women. A study of coastal livelihoods along the lower Pasur River
in southwest Bangladesh indicates that on average 40% of total annual income comes from postlarvae
fishing during the few months involved. However, indiscriminate fishing of wild postlarvae, with high levels of by-catch, has an impact on biodiversity in coastal ecosystems. This has provoked imposition of restrictions on postlarvae collection. The ban has, however, not been firmly enforced because of the lack
of alternative livelihoods for coastal poor. A conceptual framework, drawn from an approach to poverty reduction known as the sustainable livelihoods approach, is applied to understanding the role of prawn postlarvae fishing. Evidence from this study suggests that postlarvae fishers faced a number of
livelihood constraints, including poor livelihood assets. This paper concludes that wider livelihood options need to be found for postlarvae fishers to support their livelihoods.